Women Only Riding Skills Day with Maria Costello MBE

A women-only track day is set for Teesside Autodrome on the 30th September, headed up by Maria Costello MBE.

The Northamptonshire based motorcycle racer and former TT lap record and Guinness World record holder has new ambitions, but this time they revolve around helping and supporting women bikers. Her first women-only 'Woman on a Motorcycle' track day is a reality, with the date booked for 30 women to receive her tuition at the Teesside Autodrome on Monday 30th September.

The idea behind her ‘Woman on a Motorcycle’ project or association, she hasn’t labelled it yet, is to encourage more women to take up motorcycling and for those already on two wheels to become more skilled, confident and empowered bikers.

Plans to run slow-speed courses, touring and social meets are also in the pipeline and the aim is to build a dedicated website where she can offer help, advice, training courses, touring and track day events as well as news, products and a place to exchange stories and advice between members. Until this is in place the group has a Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/groups/371221686280661/?fref=ts

This first, limited number, track day will be structured to provide each woman with the chance to be on track with Costello. Classroom sessions will offer track riding and bike control advice and tips, while there will be bike set-up advice throughout the day.

Maria Costello MBE has been competing on a vast array of motorcycles for almost 20 years. Her career has included the Isle of Man TT, Irish road racing, British Superstock, the CB500 Cup Challenge, South African circuit racing and the Daytona banked circuit, but now she wants to turn her attention to helping other female bikers.

Costello said: ‘I get a lot of messages on Facebook, Twitter and via email and this group felt like a natural progression from that to provide a place where I can offer help and support. I’ve realised that I can use my knowledge and experience to help other women start biking or become more empowered on two wheels and it’s my dream to set up a women riders association or something of that ilk in the near future. This track day will be my first event to kick start this whole idea off.’

Since receiving an MBE for services to motorcycling and publishing her autobiography ‘Queen of Bikers’ she has wanted to do more to give something back to the sport.

‘I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of fantastic motorcycle related stuff in my life and I want others to be able to do the same and enjoy their time on two wheels. It’s time to give something back,' she added.

The women only track day takes place on the 30th September at Teesside Autodrome and costs £135. For more information email Maria directly via [email protected]

www.costelloracing.com